# Business Occupations and Professions (GBO)

## Title 13. Private Detectives

### Subtitle 4. Certification of Private Detectives

#### Section 13-401

(a) Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section or Sec.Sec. 10-14A-03 and 10-14B-03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be certified by the Secretary as a private detective before the individual personally may provide any private detective service in the State.

(b) An individual who is not certified as a private detective may provide private detective services in the State if:

  (1) the individual is employed by or has applied for employment with a licensed private detective agency;

  (2) the licensed private detective agency has submitted to the Secretary the application of the individual for certification as a private detective, fingerprint cards, and fees required under Sec. 13-403 of this subtitle;

  (3) after a preliminary background investigation, the Secretary determines that the provision of private detective services by the individual would not result in a potential threat to public safety; and

  (4) the Secretary has not denied the application.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)